ZONING ASSOCIATE PLANNER

The Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD) Department is seeking a Zoning Associate Planner to join our Zoning Division within the Policy, Research, and Information Management (PRIM).

The Zoning Division is responsible for providing a wide range of services related to the administration and interpretation of regulations contained in the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (ACZO). The PRIM section is responsible for providing oversight and execution of operations for the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), as well as responding to written inquiries on behalf of the Zoning Administrator,  records management of land use decisions, assisting Division supervisors and staff with assessing program needs and developing solutions, working with Communications staff to ensure the Division's website content is accurate, and overseeing payroll, budget, and procurement activities.
 
  Specific Duties: 

• Performing research and analysis related to zoning, land use, development, and real estate regulations both broadly and for specific properties pursuant to and the Code of Virginia, Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (ACZO), and past approvals of the BZA; 
• Providing technical assistance and information relating to the Zoning Ordinance, and BZA processes to a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including residents, developers, and County Staff, the media, and other agencies;
• Drafting written correspondence, including compliance letters and map corrections on behalf of the Zoning Administrator based on their research and analysis;
• Providing the Board of Zoning Appeals Coordinator with administrative and technical support, including meeting with residents, evaluating their plans, and informing them of the BZA’s process, timeline, and fees;
• Reviewing and processing building permits and BZA applications and reports, and drafting findings the BZA must make in granting a Use Permit or Variance;
• Attending public meetings including BZA’s evening meetings;
• Determining if compliance with BZA decisions is met;  
• Reviewing, analyzing, preparing, cataloging, and tracking BZA monthly public notices, staff reports, photos, PowerPoint presentations, meeting minutes, and disposition letters;  
• Performing other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate is a problem-solver, great communicator, with impeccable customer service skills; including knowledge of related legal principles, the ability to remain focused while managing multiple tasks, and a team-player that would love an opportunity to assist in achieving the organization's strategic goals.
Minimum: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or related field; 
• Two (2) years of progressive experience in urban planning or design, zoning and/or land use development.   

Substitution:  Additional education may be substituted for experience.  Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.  
 
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master’s Degree in a related field and experience in one or more of the following:
   

• Knowledge of land use law related to Zoning;  
• Preparing and conducting presentations in a public setting. 
• Performing research and analysis relating to zoning, land use, development, and real estate regulations; and
• Working with the community, neighborhood, non-profit and business groups, and public/private organizations.

A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted, which may include criminal records, driving records, education, professional licensure, and credit history.  You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
 
The applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid Driver License. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment is contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Completion of the Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Economic Interest form will be required of the successful candidate upon hire and annually thereafter.

Covid-19 vaccination: Arlington County Government is committed to the health, safety and wellness for all staff.  In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. For those qualified employees with a disability or sincerely held religious belief which prohibits them from receiving a vaccine, you will be able to contact the Office of Human Rights to request a reasonable accommodation. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment.
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, flexible work hours generally between 8:00am and 5:00pm, with telework options. Employee is expected to be present when the office is open.  Evening and weekend work may be required to attend Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meetings.

The official title for this position is Planner, Associate.

Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process.  Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Salary : $78,104 - $119,350